Canadians at Vimy Ridge

The Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 1917) was a turning point in WWI. It

was the first great allied victory. It also continues to be the

greatest event in modern Canada's military history.

The 100,000 Canadians of the Canadian Corps were commanded by Arthur Currie. Currie began numerous preparations including:

Giving maps to all Canadian troops, not just the officersTraining all Canadian troops on a replica of Vimy RidgeBuilding an elaborate tunnel system underneath no man's land in order to carry men to the enemy front lines more quicklyUse air support (including the famous Billy Bishop, a Canadian flying ace) to protect against German recon

The

actual battle began with a creeping barrage attack, in which over 1

million shells were fired by Canadian artillerymen. The creeping

barrage was followed by 20,000 charging Canadian troops, who

successfully all four trenches on Vimy Ridge. By midday on April 9th,

Hill 145 and the Pimple (a high point) were taken.

Four Victoria

Crosses were awarded in the battle. 3000 Canadians were KIA, and

another 7000 were wounded. 20,000 Germans were wounded and 4000 were

captured.

For more information, read:

http://www.northpeel.com/news/article/20719

http://www.legionmagazine.com/features/special/07-03a.asp?id=print#5

http://wwii.ca/page9.html

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/vimy/

http://www.histori.ca/minutes/minute.do?id=14742

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6373IRqSeU

Military History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine